Knights of the Zodiac

Bandai America to Introduce Exclusive Action Figures Based on the International Sensation "Knights of the Zodiac" - Master Toy Licensee Bandai America Inc. to Launch Property With Action Figures and Other Toys Exclusive to the U.S. Market.

CYPRESS, Calif., June 11, 2003 - Recognized as a leader in the boys' toy category for much of the last decade, Bandai America Incorporated announced today their new license for Knights of the Zodiac, the popular Japanese property known as "Saint Seiya," which it will launch in partnership with licensor DIC Entertainment. Cartoon Network will air the U.S. version of the television series on their Saturday Action Block beginning in late August 2003.

Knights of the Zodiac follows the adventures of the Bronze Knight Seiya, as he leads his team in battle against Phoenix and the Black Knights for control of the Golden Armor of Sagittarius. The Japanese television show debuted in 1986 to sensational ratings, and went on to mirror its success throughout Asia, Europe and Latin America.

"Bandai has a rich 17-year history with the Knights of the Zodiac property, selling more than five million action figures in Japan, and more than 25 million globally, based on this hit television show and comic book series," said Bill Beebe, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Bandai America Inc. "With the continued popularity of Power Rangers over the last decade and the success of our Gundam line, Bandai America has demonstrated that it has the leadership to drive this unique brand to success in the U.S."

Bandai America will introduce a line of 5-inch and 8-inch articulated action figures that are exclusive to the U.S. market, and geared towards boys ages 6-10 years old. The line will debut at retail in January 2004, with additional toys such as scarred action figures, game cards and role play items coming out in Fall 2004.

"Based upon the acclaim for the property internationally, and having generated more than a billion dollars in sales to date, we have great expectations for the success of Knights of the Zodiac in the U.S.," said Nancy Bassett, senior vice president, consumer brand marketing, DIC Entertainment. "With a large group of enthusiasts that are eagerly anticipating the release of the series, combined with Bandai America's unique toy line, we look forward to introducing new fans to this sensation."

In partnership with DIC Entertainment, Bandai America will build awareness for the property with a comprehensive marketing and public relations campaign, including national print and television advertising, consumer promotions, licensed product cross-promotions, and anime convention support. In addition, the Knights of the Zodiac website, KnightsoftheZodiac.com, is set to debut in the Summer of 2003.

About Bandai America

Bandai America Inc. is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd., the third largest toy company in the world, with 27 subsidiaries in 8 countries worldwide. Global interests include toys and children's entertainment, video game software, multimedia, music, full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies and licensed apparel.

Bandai America Inc. is celebrating its 25th anniversary as the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties and brands in children's toys and entertainment, including the Power Rangers, Gundam, Digimon, Strawberry Shortcake and Hello Kitty product lines. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California and company information is available at Bandai.com.

About DIC Entertainment

DIC Entertainment is a leading children's entertainment company with more than 3,000 half-hours of programming in its prolific library, ranked as the largest independent library of animation. DIC has also amassed an incomparable family of domestic and international broadcasters who air DIC programming in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and Australia. Some of DIC's popular properties include "Sailor Moon(tm)," and such new shows as "Strawberry Shortcake(tm)," "Super Duper Sumos(tm)," "Madeline(tm)" "Liberty's Kids(tm)," and "Sabrina's Secret Life(tm)." More than 25 million children watch DIC's popular programs each week. DIC is a full service studio with production, development, distribution, home video, marketing and licensing departments.